Vegan Diet 'Could Cause Lasting Harm to Children"

Published on 12 May 2017 by Liam Forkes (author), Jessica Ubhi (author)

Babies on vegan diets could suffer from malnutrition if not supplemented properly.

Researchers have warned of the health risks of putting children on a vegan diet today.

A rise in the trend has caused researchers to issue the warning, which explains how babies who aren't properly supplemented with meat and dairy products are at risk of malnutrition, illnesses, and even death, unless necessary precautions such as vitamin supplements are used.

Mary Fewtrell, a professor of nutrition at the University College London, said: "The risks of getting it wrong can include irreversible cognitive damage, and in the extreme, death.

"The more restricted the diet of a child, the greater the risk of deficiency and this is by far highest in vegan children."

The Vegan Society said a balanced diet was still possible with vegan foods and health supplements. "Nutrients deficiencies are not an exclusively vegan problem and it is unfair to paint them as such.

Raising children as vegan is not just about the nutritional benefits, but about teaching them about treating other living beings with respect and equality."

Do you think children should be raised as vegan? Do you think meat and dairy are important in a child's diet? Leave your comments in the box below!